Halfback Pass (7v7 flag football play)
It looks exactly like a sweep to the right: R takes the handoff and runs toward the sideline, and the defense comes up to pull the flag. Then R stops behind the line of scrimmage and throws deep to Z, who ran slowly at the start to look uninvolved.
When to call Halfback Pass
After you have run the ball to the right two or three times and the defense is racing up to stop it.
Who gets the ball
- R takes the handoff going right like a sweep, stops behind the line, and throws.
- Z starts slowly, then sprints deep up the right sideline. Z is the main target.
- C slips out behind the defenders who come up for the run, the short option for R.
Coaching points
- Pick an R who can throw. Test it in practice, not in a game.
- R must stop and set both feet behind the line. Most leagues only allow a forward pass from behind the line of scrimmage, so check your rules.
- Z's slow start is the trick. Z should look like the play is going somewhere else, then take off.
- Run the ball to the right from this same look first, so the defense learns to chase it.
Common mistakes
- R throws on the run and the ball floats. Stop, set, then throw.
- R crosses the line before throwing, which makes it an illegal forward pass.
- Calling it before the defense has seen the run. The trick only works if they believe it.
What to call next
If the defense stays back, keep the ball on the ground with Counter.